COVENTRY’S beloved indoor market has won the title of Britain’s favourite market.
The city centre market won the top national award after securing the most votes of shoppers anywhere in the country.
It was the only category in the awards organised by the National Association of British Market Authorities (NABMA) which was decided by public vote rather than a judging panel.
Traders publicised the awards and urged regulars to register their vote for the market online.
Coventry Market officials, who attended the awards ceremony in Birmingham last week, said that it was a testament to how well regarded the market is by its customers.
Brian Sexton, market manager, said: “Market traders have worked very hard to collect the votes and there was a huge campaign to get everyone behind us. We came close to winning it last year and it’s great that we’ve won it now.
“Coventry people should be very proud and hopefully it will attract more people from across the country to visit the city.”
But the news comes as the market faces an uncertain future as it battles plans by English Heritage to award it Grade II listed status.
Council chiefs have joined forces with market traders to oppose the listing as it would hamper plans to redevelop the market as part of the £1billion Jerde development.
A review of the decision is due to take place in March.
Councillor Kevin Foster (Con, Cheylesmore), deputy leader of Coventry City Council, said: “I’m really delighted for the market traders and those who use the market.
“The next bit of good news would be for the government to overturn the listing and allow market traders to look forward to being able to become part of the 21st century city centre and the regeneration plans we would like to create.”
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